The original Xbox, Microsoft’s first foray into the console market, made a bigger splash than anyone anticipated. Facing fierce competition from the PlayStation 2 and GameCube, the Xbox carved its own niche and laid the groundwork for the even more successful Xbox 360. This article revisits the best original Xbox games that helped define the console and its legacy.
Microsoft aimed to challenge Sony’s Gran Turismo series with Forza Motorsport, a sim racer boasting realistic graphics and physics. This title would become a cornerstone of Microsoft’s gaming portfolio and a leading racing game franchise. With 231 licensed cars, career and quickplay modes, and numerous real-world and fictional tracks, Forza Motorsport offered a deep and engaging experience. Customizable tuning options allowed players to personalize their vehicles, while adjustable assist settings ensured accessibility for all skill levels.
A Diverse Library of Classics
The original Xbox boasted a diverse library, catering to a wide range of gaming preferences. From high-octane racing to immersive RPGs, the console offered something for everyone.
Panzer Dragoon Orta, an Xbox-exclusive rail shooter, surprised players with its excellent gameplay and captivating story. Controlling a dragon-riding teenage girl named Orta, players engaged in intense aerial combat against a multitude of enemies. Despite its short length, the game garnered critical acclaim for its visuals, sound design, and tight controls. However, its challenging difficulty curve demanded skill and perseverance.
RPGs and Genre-Defining Experiences
The original Xbox also made a mark in the RPG genre, offering unique experiences that resonated with players.
Fable introduced many console gamers to the action RPG genre with its accessible gameplay and engaging story. The game’s simple controls and intuitive UI allowed players to focus on the narrative and characters. Fable’s humorous dialogue and compelling storyline made it a standout title in the Xbox’s library.
Half-Life 2, a landmark FPS title, also graced the original Xbox. While not as visually impressive as the PC version, the Xbox port still delivered a compelling experience with its atmospheric environments, engaging characters, and innovative physics engine.
Stealth, Action, and Aerial Combat
The original Xbox offered a variety of action-packed experiences, including stealth adventures and thrilling aerial combat.
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow delivered intense stealth gameplay and a compelling multiplayer experience. The Xbox version was lauded for its graphics and online features, pitting spies against mercenaries in thrilling matches. Pandora Tomorrow’s clever level design and rewarding stealth sequences made it a standout in the series.
Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge took players to an alternate 1930s, offering exciting arcade-style aerial combat. With customizable planes and a robust single-player campaign, the game also featured a rich multiplayer component with various modes like deathmatch and capture the flag. Crimson Skies remains a unique and memorable aerial combat experience.
Ninja Gaiden Black, a challenging and fast-paced action game, revitalized the classic Ninja Gaiden series with its 3D gameplay and demanding difficulty. The inclusion of Mission Mode provided additional content and replayability, further cementing Ninja Gaiden Black as a fan favorite.
Adventure and Open Worlds
The original Xbox offered immersive adventures and vast open worlds for players to explore.
Beyond Good & Evil captivated players with its blend of stealth, puzzle-solving, and action. The game’s stylized visuals, imaginative world-building, and clever writing earned it critical acclaim and cult classic status. Despite its initial commercial underperformance, Beyond Good & Evil has left a lasting legacy.
Burnout 3: Takedown revolutionized arcade racing with its emphasis on high-speed crashes and aggressive takedowns. The slow-motion crash sequences added a dramatic flair to the fast-paced gameplay, making Burnout 3: Takedown a truly unique and exhilarating racing experience.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas expanded upon the series’ open-world formula with its massive map, engaging story, and social commentary. The Xbox version offered enhancements and new features, solidifying San Andreas’s place as one of the most iconic and beloved entries in the GTA franchise.
RPGs and Defining Franchises
The original Xbox hosted some of the most influential RPGs of all time, shaping the genre and establishing iconic franchises.
The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay defied the typical movie tie-in curse with its engaging stealth gameplay, dark atmosphere, and impressive visuals. Starring Vin Diesel as Richard Riddick, the game offered a unique and compelling prequel experience.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KotOR) delivered a deep and immersive RPG experience set in the beloved Star Wars universe. Developed by BioWare, KotOR featured intricate systems, a compelling narrative, and innovative combat mechanics that blended real-time and turn-based elements.
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind pushed the boundaries of open-world RPGs with its vast and detailed world. While dated by today’s standards, Morrowind was a technical marvel at the time and paved the way for future Elder Scrolls titles, including the immensely popular Skyrim.
Jade Empire, another BioWare classic, transported players to a world inspired by Chinese mythology. The game’s real-time combat system offered depth and variety, while its original story and approachable gameplay made it a memorable RPG experience.
The Birth of a Legend
No discussion of the original Xbox would be complete without mentioning the game that launched a phenomenon.
Halo: Combat Evolved not only defined the Xbox but also revolutionized console FPS games. Its compelling campaign, co-op gameplay, and innovative multiplayer laid the foundation for one of the most successful and enduring video game franchises in history.
Halo 2 elevated the series further with its dual-protagonist storyline, refined gameplay, and groundbreaking online multiplayer. Halo 2’s introduction of online play via Xbox Live transformed the console gaming landscape and solidified the franchise’s legendary status.
A Lasting Impact
These titles represent a small selection of the many great games available on the original Xbox. From innovative gameplay mechanics to compelling narratives, these games helped define a generation of console gaming and left a lasting impact on the industry. They showcase the diversity and innovation that made the original Xbox a memorable and influential console.
